Planning a wedding can be tedious, and sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for all the trees.  After several years in this industry, I’ve picked up on a thing or two when it comes to the ins and outs of wedding days.  When it  comes to the details that really matter, timing is one of the biggest factors.  Here are some of the things to consider when compiling your wedding timeline.

First Looks

What takes priority on your big day can look different for every bride.  Do you want to be sure to have a first look with your partner or parents?  Is it important to you to have private vows between just the two of you, totally separate from the ceremony itself?  These intimate, quiet little moments on your wedding day are something I highly recommend.  Not only do they make for beautiful photos, these moments make such sweet memories. It’s important to remember to set aside enough time for these things when putting together your wedding day itinerary.  Failing to do so can make these very sentimental details feel rushed or it can put you behind schedule.  It’s your day, do what matters most to you!

Wedding day nerves are the norm, not the exception. As the time nears for your journey down the aisle, setting aside 20 minutes or so to take a breath can help tremendously.  This also allows for any last minute makeup touch-ups or hair.  Even just a few minutes to compose yourself physically and mentally will help you enjoy your ceremony that much more. This also highlights the importance of a schedule and sticking to it so that you’re not pressed for time, adding stress to an already nerve-inducing day.  Do yourself the favor, I promise it’s worth it!

Golden Hour

While time management in general is important on your wedding day, it has aesthetic perks too. I recently shot a wedding that revolved entirely around sunset and the results were stunning. This bride wanted her outdoor ceremony at Richard Nixon Library to take place at sunset, which meant that we had time for bridal portraits at golden hour.  It was pure magic! Sunset adds an extra touch of romance to outdoor ceremonies.  I mean, does it get any more beautiful than exchanging vows with a watercolor sky as your background?

It requires a fair amount of planning and being diligent with staying on schedule, but the payoff is well worth the effort.  We’ve all seen the wonders of golden hour sunlight in family, maternity, and engagement sessions.  Weddings and bridal portraits illuminated with that golden glow, though?  That’s a thing of beauty that you just can’t get with editing alone.

I know creating a wedding timeline can be stressful, but I hope my tips & tricks I’ve picked up on throughout the course of my wedding photography career can help you.

At the end of it all, you should be able to take comfort in the pre-planning work you’ve put in for your wedding and just enjoy the day with your partner.  After all, the two of you are what matters most!